RFID tags are ubiquitous in the retail environment these days. They allow stores to run daily cycle audits, help in theft prevention, and also facilitate location tracking, among others. These same benefits can be translated upstream to internal processes that require tracking of items.
Customers that already have RFID implemented at the retail level are well suited to plug in existing RFID vendors and processes into Launchmetrics Samples.
Benefits of Implementing RFID in your Sample logistics
- Save time by bulk scanning large volumes of samples for actions such as send outs & returns
- Keep tags hidden during photo shoots and showings by concealing barcode tags inside samples.
- Pinpoint lost samples within a room or warehouse
- Quickly identify missing samples by conducting weekly inventory audits within minutes.
- Real-time sample location tracking using antennas (Optional)
- Temera is our official RFID partners and can install antenna's in your office or warehouse space. Reach out to your local CSM if you would like to know more.
Key differences Between RFID and Barcodes
| RFID | BARCODES |
|---|---|
| Multiple tags can be read at once and RFID picks up tags from anywhere in the room. |
Items must be scanned 1-by-1. |
| Tags can be hidden in the hem or collar so as not to be seen when the sample is being photographed. | Tags must be visible in order to scan. |
| Cost of RFID tags are more expensive per tag | Budget-friendly |
| Labels can be customized to print readable sample information | Labels can be customized to print readable sample information |
| Requires commissioning process to link tags to a digital samples | Plug & play onboarding process |
| Automatic location tracking with antennas | Manual location tracking |
Components of an RFID implementation
When considering an RFID implementation, it's important to know that putting these components together requires commitment — time commitment, financial commitment, and upfront effort to ensure you reap the benefits.
RFID Tags
There is a wide variety of RFID tags available on the market today. The differences range based on the chip, the antenna (the squiggly lines), the size & materials. For the purposes of sample tracking, Launchmetrics has a list of tags that we recommend and that are available from our recommended vendors.
If looking at alternate tags (for instance the size is not to your liking), keep in mind that the main issues we face are the retail availability of the tags and compatibility with the printer.
If you already have an RFID vendor at the retail level, they can often times be leveraged for use at the sample level.
Antennas (optional)
RFID antennas allow you to see a sample's physical location in real time as it move within your facilities. Antennas can be positioned within a room, within hallways or doorways so that they can be pinged as the tagged items pass by.
Launchmetrics partners with Temera to manage antenna installation and data management.
Samples iOS app + Handheld Scanner
The main workflows that benefit from RFID tags will be achieved using a handheld scanner connected to the Samples iOS app.
All features on the mobile app that can scan a single barcode, can also support scanning bulk RFID tags.
Data Commissioning
When implementing RFID tags in your Sample Inventory, there needs to be a way to associate the digital samples with the RFID tags that are affixed to the item, we call this process "Commissioning".
One way to Commission a tag is through a data integration, this may be a good option if you have an RFID vendor that is encoding the tags for you.
Another option is commissioning through the printer (see below). Note that even if you commission using a vendor, tags may fall off through your loan activities and a printer will be necessary to ensure all items always have a tag.
The 3rd option is commissioning through the Samples iOS app. If the item is already tagged with a Launchmetrics barcode, the iOS app allows you to simply scan the barcode, then scan the RFID tag in order to commission it.
Printers
The job of the printer is two fold. The printer, prints information on the paper label in ink, but it also reads the serialize number that has been pre-encoded in the chip. The printer then sends that serial number back to the Samples app and associates it with the sample that was just printed.
RFID related hardware & supplies →